Delhi top priority for Moscow, says Lavrov

India and Russia on Monday underscored the steadiness of their long-standing strategic partnership as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, setting the stage for President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to New Delhi.

Jaishankar said the meeting carried “special importance” as both sides prepare for the 23rd Annual India–Russia Summit. “Our regular interactions have greatly helped advance bilateral cooperation and enabled us to share perspectives on key regional, global and multilateral issues,” he said. Touching on conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East and Afghanistan, he reiterated India’s support for ongoing peace efforts.

Lavrov, calling the meeting “timely”, said the next Russian-Indian summit would take place in New Delhi in three weeks. He said the relationship remained a top priority in Russia’s foreign policy.